{Indonesia} A visit to Krakatau

I can’t believe we’ve been in Jakarta for almost two years! Two years ago I came to Jakarta with a little toddler and an emerging belly, today we have two very rowdy toddlers and a very exciting summer ahead of us. Two years ago my sister was visiting us and we took her to Bali, this time we decided to do something closer to home and with the help and leadership of my very good friend Nazira we planned a day trip to the Krakatoa volcanoes.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew from friends who had been there that the trip was definitely worth it but that the ride there was a bit rough. I started doing some research and learned that the Krakatoa volcanoes erupted in 1883 and that thousands of people perished in what was considered to be the loudest sound ever heard in modern history, talk about making an impact. As we embarked on the three-hour car ride to the port of Carita I got very excited about finally paying this old island a visit.

When we arrived in Carita we were greeted by very friendly smiles that led us to a restaurant where the bules (us) were fed western fare, because who doesn’t want pancakes with tomato chilli sauce? After we used the “facilities” we took a quick drive to the port where we hoped on a speed boat and sped away towards the islands, or what was left of them.

Speed Boat to Krakatau

Good Bye Charita!

Going Fast!

After about 40 minutes into the bumpy ride we were able to catch a glimpse of the volcanoes, what was left of them and the anak Krakatoa that is currently emerging. You could see the Anak Krakatoa smoking and getting ready to reveal its fury in the near future. I was very excited to see this historical natural site but was very upset to see dozens of pieces of debris and trash all over the ocean. So much so that we had to stop often to keep the speed boat’s motor from clogging up.

First glimpse at Krakatau

Enjoying the ride

Getting closer

It was skoking

White Smoke

Fuming

The three islands

Almost there

Nazira looking out the window

Closer look

Almost there!

When we finally arrived we stopped to take a look at the gorgeous black sand and got ready to start the trek up the volcano. As soon as we got there we lathered ourselves in sun block and left the stuff we were not using in the speed boat.

We’ve arrived!

Awesome Flora

and Fauna…

The first few hundred meters were a very easy climb. It was not very steep and the gorgeous tall trees provided a very good shade. I was very glad to be wearing tennis shoes since the sand was very loose and it started getting in my shoes.

Sandy climb

Black sand

As we got closer and closer to the peak the terrain started getting steeper. The sand was looser than in the bottom and there were many rocks all around. The trees were gone due to previous eruptions and sandy dunes became the norm. As we walked on some of these dunes our feet slipped since the sand was not very firm.

Nazira and Pete halfway there

Closer look

My sister Dany

Volcanic rocks

A few water breaks later, we arrived to the top. The views were stunning and well worth the climb. The colors of the ocean were breathtaking and the smoking volcanoes were just an impressive sight and one that I will never forget. Being by the top of the volcano provided us insight on how amazing nature is and how God’s creation is just astounding. Feeling the heat of the volcano emerging from the ground we couldn’t help but think about God’s perfectly created ecosystem and the harmony it has with humanity.

Dany

Dany and I (please excuse the redness)

Our guide led my hubby to the edge and explained to him the effects of the previous eruptions. For a moment we thought about the many people affected by the natural disasters the eruptions have caused.

Almost on top of the volcano

It was very hot up there

Minerals

What a wonderful day it was. After our climb we were able to snorkel for a couple of hours and were provided lunch, cold drinks and fresh fruit. The service we used provided the snorkeling gear and our guide led us to the best areas to contemplate aquatic life. From beautiful blue starfish to schools of fish we enjoyed every second of it. What a perfect day. If you are in Jakarta and are willing to spend a day out in sync with nature, Krakatau is the best choice.

The 5 of us

Tips

Bring closed toe shoes. The walk of the volcano isn’t very treacherous but wearing flip flops or sandals would make it even harder and the sand is HOT HOT HOT. Bring sandals to change into for the snorkeling bit.

Bring lots of sunblock and reapply every hour or so. I got really sunburned and have some funky streaks on my back from where my hands couldn’t reach all of my back. So much for being self-sufficient.

Bring an extra change of clothes to change into after you snorkel. Although you won’t be able to take a shower you really don’t want to go back on your sweaty hiking clothes.

If you want to bring the kiddos make sure you pack snacks and lots of water or drinks. It is very very hot and you really need to keep hydrated.

Why not book at hotel at Charita? I would consider doing that and bringing the boys. Maybe leaving Josh behind with his nanny for the volcano bit and bringing Evan in hopes he wouldn’t want to be carried all the way up.

Toilet conditions are precarious at best. Bring tissues or whatever you deem necessary. Most of the toilets at the port are squat toilets and toilet paper is unavailable.

Looks like a great trip! I went there with Stella a few months ago, but STUPIDLY did not think about how bad the seas would be, thinking that since we’re old boating pros, we wouldn’t need to worry. Huh. Turns out I was wrong. Barf down the front of my shirt four times kind of wrong.
We went when it was still rainy season and the seas were quite a bit rougher. By far the roughest I’ve ever experienced.
So, may I also recommend bring gravol or similar anti-nausea medicine.
Despite the terrible corssing, the trip was so worth it. It’s a beautiful spot, the black sands are phenomenal (like espresso, right?), and my kid had the best time.
Great post! Great photos!

Good tips! I didn’t want to take the boys before exploring the terrain. IT was tons of fun but I am not sure I would take Josh. A friend visited in October and told me there were too many jelly fish floating around. I think May was just perfect. Relatively calm waters and tons of jelly fish but only small ones, I think those are the ones who are unbearable come October….

About Me

Hi, I'm Ana Gaby. A nomad by nature and by trade. I'm an expat currently living in the USA with my husband and my two very active boys. I am Mexican by birth and soul, American by heart and passport. After living in South East Asia for over 5 years we moved back to the US to begin a new adventure as a family. Join us in our adventure as we explore the US, re-learn to go grocery shopping without being overwhelmed, raise Bilingual Third Culture Kids and take our children along for the ride of a lifetime.